Here Lies Arthur facts for kids
Front cover of first edition
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| Author | Philip Reeve |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's adventure novel, historical novel |
| Publisher | Scholastic UK |
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Publication date
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2 April 2007 |
| Pages | 289 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 978-0-439-95533-1 |
| OCLC | 77540798 |
| LC Class | PZ7.R25576 He 2008 |
Here Lies Arthur is an exciting young-adult novel written by Philip Reeve. It was published in 2007. The story takes place in Britain a long, long time ago, around the 400s or 500s. This was when the Anglo-Saxon invasion was happening.
The book is about a young girl who helps create the famous legends of King Arthur. A wise storyteller, called a bard, plans this. Philip Reeve describes his book as a "back-creation." This means it's not a true historical story. Instead, it takes old legends and gives them a new, realistic beginning.
In 2007, Philip Reeve won the important Carnegie Medal for Here Lies Arthur. This award celebrates the best children's book published in the UK each year. The book was later published in the United States in 2008.
Contents
What is Here Lies Arthur About?
A Journey to Create a Legend
The story begins with a thrilling attack by Arthur and his group of warriors. During this attack, a servant girl named Gwyna manages to escape. She is soon found by Myrddin, a clever bard.
Myrddin has a big plan. He wants to make Arthur seem like a great hero. His goal is to unite the native British people against the Saxons. The Saxons have taken over the eastern parts of the country.
Myrddin tells Gwyna to pretend to be the Lady of the Lake. She must give Arthur his special sword, Caliburn. Gwyna does this very well. After her success, Myrddin disguises her in boy's clothes. This way, she can travel safely with Arthur's war-band as Myrddin's helper.
Gwyna's Adventures and Discoveries
As Gwyna travels, she meets many interesting people. She meets a boy who was raised as a girl. She also plays a trick on a holy man. Gwyna even gets to swim in the old Roman baths of Aquae Sulis.
She takes part in a battle, seeing Arthur's strong leadership. Gwyna watches as Myrddin creates amazing stories. These stories turn Arthur into the famous "King Arthur" we know from legends.
After Arthur's death, Gwyna starts to create some stories herself. She learns that the legend of Arthur is more important than just the facts.
Who are the Main Characters?
Meet the Heroes and Helpers
- Gwyna/Gwyn: She is the main character and tells the story. Gwyna is a servant girl who works for Myrddin. For much of the book, she is disguised as a boy.
- Myrddin: Gwyna's master. He is a wise Celtic bard and Arthur's main adviser. He is the one who plans to create Arthur's legend.
- Arthur: Also called "the Bear." He is the leader of a Romano-British group of warriors. Myrddin works to build his reputation.
- Gwenhwyfar: A relative of Ambrosius Aurelianus. She later becomes Arthur's wife. She also forms a close bond with Bedwyr.
- Valerius: He defends the city of Aquae Sulis. He is Gwenhwyfar's first husband.
- Cei: Arthur's half-brother. He is also a good friend to Myrddin.
- Bedwyr: Gwyn's friend. He is one of the best soldiers in Arthur's group. He later forms a close bond with Gwenhwyfar.
- Medrawt: Bedwyr's older brother. He is also a skilled warrior.
- Peredur: The son of a famous warrior. His widowed mother raised him as a girl. His childhood name was Peri. He later becomes close friends with Gwyna.
- Saint Porroc: A man who calls himself holy. He leads a group of monks.
- Maelwas of Dumnonia: He is a powerful leader of the southern kingdoms.
